What is it? The longest-running American muscle car line is updated for the 2013 model year, with styling and technology enhancements. At a glance, the 2013 Mustang looks quite familiar, but a closer look reveals an updated grille, front air splitter, hood, body-colored rocker panels, smoked taillamps, and black rear trim.

High-intensity discharge (HID) headlamps are now standard, with LED accents. To further show off, the Mustang can be had with “pony projection lights”—side-mirror-mounted lights that shine the pony logo symbol on the ground when the car is unlocked. Fresh wheel offerings and designs further signal the new model year.

Underhood, power edges up to 420 horsepower, with the 5.0-liter V8 maintaining an advantage over its direct peers. This Coyote V8 can be had with a six-speed automatic transmission equipped with a manual mode.

What’s new or notable? For more extreme performance on manual models, a GT Track Package includes the Brembo Brake Package and adds an engine cooler, upgraded radiator, better brake pads, and a Torsen differential. A 4.2-inch screen provides access to performance information, from fuel economy to true performance data, such as acceleration and braking times.

CR’s take: As entertaining as the performance display may be, we hope it doesn’t encourage real-world hooliganism or become a dangerous distraction. Ford continues to push the pony car by improving both street and track capabilities. As a result, the car that created a market segment back in 1964 continues to define it.